Lessons from 2023
As I've journeyed through the past year, traveling and living as a nomad, life has imparted its own unique set of lessons. Some of these lessons may appear familiar, reminiscent of those from previous years. This serves as a powerful reminder that these lessons are not fleeting; rather, they continue to manifest their significance, year after year. This is my yearly compilation of lessons, a testament to the enduring wisdom that we carry with us.
These lessons are akin to signposts along a winding path, and I invite you to hold on to those that resonate with you and let go of those that do not. After all, wisdom is a deeply personal journey. None of these lessons are entirely my own, but instead, they've been gleaned from friends, books, and the rich tapestry of life experiences.
I offer these lessons to you in the hope that they may aid you on your unique journey through life. Feel free to reach out, share these insights with your friends and family, and let them shine a light on your path.
Embrace the rainstorm: We all go through dark periods. There is a sense of unknownness and confusion, and frustration. This is a beautiful time to reinvent yourself and learn about yourself; it is the way the universe is telling you to take a pause and change direction. During these times, it is important to take a break, heal, and be patient. The next steps will come, and it will be straightforward.
Work with the flow: If there is resistance in life, it is an indication that the path is not right. It is important to take a step back and reevaluate. Resistance, requires a lot of effort.
Viewpoints: Everyone has a different viewpoint, and no way is the only right way. Each of us has learned to live our lives differently through cultural upbringing. Question the opinions you hold and hold them loosely.
Travel: Travel is a way to learn about yourself through exposure to different cultures. It helps break unnecessary ideologies and makes us more humble. Take this opportunity to be open, have a coffee, drink, or meal with a local, and get to know them. It is the best way to travel and experience the various flavors of life, thereby realizing life itself.
Let Go: This is the simplest technique, just be aware, accept the emotions that arise. Don't try to push them away or hold onto them, just be aware. By practicing this, all resistance will dissipate.
Seeking: Seek to understand yourself and delve deeper within through the process of letting go. The external world becomes a manifestation of our thoughts and emotions that we carry.
Mortality: At the end of the day, we all die. And for a few years after our death, we will be memories for our loved ones. Then, a picture on the wall, and eventually, we all fade away. So, question the anger, bitterness, and sorrow we hold - is it truly needed?
Ownership: We are the ultimate creators of our lives. So, take ownership of your emotions and thoughts. If you are sad, learn to let go or take action to fix it. You have the ultimate tool - life itself. Be courageous in taking ownership of your life. You only have one.
Relationships: I've learned that one of the most important things in life is the people you surround yourself with. As I've nomaded through various places, the relationships I've built have truly made life worth living. So, take a moment to call the loved ones you miss once in a while. You never know how many opportunities you'll have to connect with them.
Small Things: Traveling through small towns has taught me that it's the little things, the bonds we share, our habits, and our passions that make life beautiful. It's not just about the list of places we've visited, our achievements, or the medals we've earned. It's the moments, the laughter, sadness, and the joy along the way.
Live Life to the Fullest: People often say to live your life to the fullest. This doesn't mean being at your peak 24/7 because that's impossible. Instead, it's about being aware and accepting of the things that arise moment to moment. Sadness and tough times are part of life too. Accept and embrace them. Stop trying so hard, and just let go. It's okay to fail and learn from experiences.
Body and Mind: Maintaining the health of your body and mind is crucial. To nurture your mind, consider activities like meditation, yoga, or journaling. However, mere engagement is not enough; consistent practice is essential. The same principle applies to your body. Maintain a regular physical practice to ensure a sound body-mind balance.
Meditation: I've come to understand that the art of meditation is about being aware and still. It's about allowing whatever comes to come without reacting, just being still and aware of whatever arises. This, I've learned, is the essence of meditation.
Moment to Moment: Life happens in the present moment, here and now. Whatever you're feeling and experiencing, it's all unfolding at this very moment. This realization has brought me a heightened awareness of the importance of being fully present in the now.
Progress: In the art of seeking, there is subtlety in acknowledgment and acceptance. The process involves being aware and accepting whatever is occurring within. There isn't a need to actively seek to understand yourself. Initially, it starts with seeking the emotion, then it becomes allowing and accepting the emotion.
As this compilation of lessons finds its place in the annals of our journeys, let us remember that wisdom is a dynamic river, ever flowing and evolving. These lessons are signposts on our path, and their recurrence demonstrates their enduring relevance. The true journey of self-discovery is uniquely personal. Embrace those lessons that resonate with your heart and allow them to guide you, while graciously letting go of those that may not fit your path.
May these lessons serve as companions on your journey, offering you solace, clarity, and inspiration. Share them with your loved ones, for a single candle can ignite many others, and let the light of these lessons continue to brighten your path toward health, wealth, and happiness.
With that said, may you find peace, and happiness in your life.
- Thejas
